Vintage Rolex Air King Date

Rolex Air King Date watches have a very interesting place among vintage Rolex watches. The Air King Date and its brother the Rolex Explorer Date were the only 2 Oyster watches in the Rolex line up to be fitted with a non-chronometer automatic date movement, the Rolex calibre 1525. Interestingly also, both the Rolex Air King Date and Rolex Explorer Date from this period had the same case reference number, ref 5701 for this model with a steel case and 14 kt gold bezel. The all steel model was marked with a case reference 5700.
The Rolex Air King model dates back to the 1940’s and the earliest examples of the Rolex Air King Date can be found from the late 1950’s.
This particular watch has a great champagne dial and based on the serial number dates to 1967 to 1968. The case back stamp inside confirms a production date of 1968.
The watch has been full serviced and is running flawlessly.
The watch is fitted with all authentic Rolex parts, even the crystal. Also note the original gold capped Rolex crown. The watch is fitted with a generic black calf leather strap.
The steel Oyster case measures 34.5 mm wide (excluding the Rolex crown) by 43 mm long (from lug tip to lug tip). This watch is in excellent condition and looks wonderful on the wrist. If a buyer chooses, I can provide at additional cost, a steel Rolex Oyster strap from the same period.